AeroVironment
AeroVironment Blackwing
The AeroVironment Blackwing is a high‑altitude, long‑endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft system developed by AeroVironment, a company renowned for small‑UAV technology. The program began in 2016 as a response to the U.S. Department of Defense’s need for a low‑cost, solar‑powered platform capable of persistent surveillance and communications relay at altitudes above 60,000 feet. After extensive wind‑tunnel testing and a series of prototype flights, the first full‑scale Blackwing demonstrated sustained flight for more than 24 hours in 2019, marking a milestone in solar‑electric UAV performance.
Key features include a 30‑meter wingspan covered with lightweight carbon‑fiber skin, flexible solar cells that generate up to 1 kilowatt of power, and an efficient electric propulsion system that can transition seamlessly between solar and battery power. The aircraft’s autonomous flight controller enables operation without a ground crew, while its modular payload bay can carry high‑resolution cameras, signals‑intelligence packages, or communications relay equipment.
Blackwing’s significance lies in its ability to provide near‑continuous coverage over remote or contested regions at a fraction of the cost of traditional satellite or manned aircraft assets. It exemplifies the shift toward sustainable, high‑altitude platforms that expand ISR and connectivity capabilities while reducing logistical footprints.
Key features include a 30‑meter wingspan covered with lightweight carbon‑fiber skin, flexible solar cells that generate up to 1 kilowatt of power, and an efficient electric propulsion system that can transition seamlessly between solar and battery power. The aircraft’s autonomous flight controller enables operation without a ground crew, while its modular payload bay can carry high‑resolution cameras, signals‑intelligence packages, or communications relay equipment.
Blackwing’s significance lies in its ability to provide near‑continuous coverage over remote or contested regions at a fraction of the cost of traditional satellite or manned aircraft assets. It exemplifies the shift toward sustainable, high‑altitude platforms that expand ISR and connectivity capabilities while reducing logistical footprints.
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Classification
Dimensions
- Length
- 49.5 centimetre
- Mass
- 1.8 kilogram
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- AeroVironment
- Wikidata ID
- Q111740842